Overview & Reviews

When the Chrysler Crossfire concept was first introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, there was genuine interest and excitement from both the motoring press and the public. Here was the first tantalizing fruit of the DaimlerChrysler merger that would combine German engineering and American style. A production model was announced, and the first Crossfires started to appear a few years later.

Available as a two-seat coupe or roadster, the Chrysler Crossfire was largely based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. Its exterior design always turned heads, but the aged platform and unimpressive driving dynamics were major drawbacks. The Crossfire's steering response in particular was lackluster due to the use of the previous SLK's old-school recirculating-ball steering. Additionally, the vehicle's ride quality often seemed harsh, particularly on the high-performance SRT-6 version.

The Crossfire's slow sales could also be attributed to an interior that didn't look as rich as the car's exterior styling would suggest. There was also the cramped Crossfire's utter lack of utility. It's still an attractive vehicle to behold, but the Crossfire was simply outclassed by other vehicles in terms of luxury, brand cachet and performance.

Most Recent Chrysler Crossfire

The Chrysler Crossfire was available only in coupe form when it debuted in 2004, with a convertible model arriving the next year. The standard engine throughout the model cycle was a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The transmission choice was between a standard six-speed manual and an optional five-speed automatic. The short-lived 2005-'06 Crossfire SRT-6 model boasted a sport-tuned suspension and a fire-breathing, supercharged 330-hp engine that came only with a five-speed automatic.

Leather upholstery was standard in 2004, when only one well-equipped trim level was offered, but starting in 2005 the Crossfire was offered in base and Limited trims, and the base car came with cloth upholstery and a limited roster of standard equipment. The Limited livened things up with power leather seats, an Infinity stereo and more sound insulation. In addition to its engine and suspension upgrades, the SRT-6 models added 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inchers out back and Napa Pearl leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts with enhanced bolstering. Unique to the base Roadster was an optional Special Edition package (2006 and '07 model years) that included Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, Dark Slate Gray cloth seats, SRT-6–style cast-aluminum wheels, a black windshield surround and satin silver door handles and side louvers. Otherwise, nothing much changed until 2008, when the base trim was dropped.

In reviews, our editors praised the Chrysler Crossfire's daringly distinctive looks, and the SRT-6 was loved for its blistering straight-line performance. However, the outdated steering system was unpleasant and the ride was stiff — unacceptably so in the SRT-6. Acceleration from the base 215-hp V6 was adequate but uninspiring. Overall, the Crossfire was an interesting styling exercise, but its driving character left much to be desired.

User Reviews:

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  Crossfire - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Rajunz - October 22 - 11:20 am

  Ive owned over 50 cars in my life and this car has to be the most dependable car Ive ever owned. Its perfect, I dont see why their values wont hold up, they are fabulous cars and theyre a blast to drive.

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  Beautiful Styling & a Great Ride - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
  By ShirazRoadster - October 18 - 12:07 pm

  Bought the car last summer on a whim, $14k off the sticker price helps, right? The car is great once you get it out of first gear (they should have combined 1st and 2nd, you have to shift too quickly), has styling that gets a "Nice car!" at least once a day, and has gas mileage that is much better than I was expecting of around 22-24 mpg.

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  Gwams Weview - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Gwammy - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I liked this car. It has some kick.

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  some machine - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By NYlawyer - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful. Guaranteed to make heads turn. Glad I bought this one and not the Z or the Rx8 or the TT. Like driving a mercedes. lots of power on demand. Stiff ride, like a porsche (been in that one a lot , this feels stiffer, honestly. The car sticks like nothing I ever drove. All in all, a perfect machine.

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  Best car for the money - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Len - October 3 - 7:33 pm

  I bought my 07 limited for $19k with 2000 miles in April 2008. I like it because it is a great balance between comfort and performance, and for the money I didnt consider anything else. It is fun to drive, good on gas, maneuverable and relatively quick. I am 62" and fit comfortably in it, the seats are supportive yet the matte orangy-brown leather is soft on the back. I drove the car on a 4 hour trip through NYC traffic and was comfortable the whole time. I could not imagine having the car automatic, but dont get along with the shifter sometimes.

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  My wife loves her new Crossfire - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
  By caremanager - August 9 - 5:06 am

  We are very happy with our Crossfire. My wife could have picked any convertible she wanted in the $40k range. She chose the Crossfire because of its beautiful styling and head turnablity factor. She absolutely loves her car. What made it even better yet was the incredible deal we got on this vehicle. We just couldnt say no to the $29,900 price tag for this fully loaded car. No other convertible even came close to that price with this many features. The time is right to get this end of model year German built sports car.

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  25,000 miles and still happy - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By Scott MacMillan - August 1 - 2:57 pm

  My Crossfire has all of the build quality and reliability you would expect-- but rarely get from a German made car. After 25k miles there are no rattles or squeaks, mechanically it hasnt missed a beat, and the factory original tires (Continentals) have only just given up the ghost. The car is a sports car, not a grand touring car, and as such has some sports car short comings, chief of which is a slightly cramped interior package. Anyone over 6ft will find that this isnt the best long distance car on the road. But for short jaunts and weekend escapes it is pretty much unbeatable. Excellent (but not superb) handling combined with "one of a kind" styling makes the Crossfire a joy to own.

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  affordable performance - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
  By 2dmaxx - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Here is a car that can be very suprising when the go pedal is mashed.I have taken on a few very surprised so called super cars and made them eat my dust and they all wondered what the heck is under the hood. This auto has got to be one of the best sleepers around there has not been any car that has been able to stay with me in a slalom, but you can pay thousands more if you want to compete.

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  A great sports car - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By gregtwelve - July 27 - 12:22 pm

  I bought this car 2 years old with 3000 miles on it for half of the sticker. I was looking at used corvettes. I couldnt be more pleased with the purchase. It out accelerates 99% of the all cars on the road, looks incredible and gets decent gas mileage. I would have preferred a manual transmission but the Mercedes 5 speed tap shift auto is excellent. Handles great. Only downside is a stiff ride over bad pavement. As long as the road is decent it is not an issue. I plan to keep it a long time. I have yet to see another Crossfire srt-6 in over a year of ownership, and have only seen a total of 2 or 3 Crossfires on the road in that time. I love that exclusiveness.

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  Just Plain Great - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
  By William - July 4 - 5:06 am

  Saw it...Bought it...could not believe the value, fun and looks...yes a head turner...bought a black on black roadster...drives amazing well...great built car...you know it is a quality drive.